BMW 1 Series 2020 pricing and specification

BMW has announced pricing for its all-new 1 Series hatchback, initially offering two extremes: the entry-level 118i and performance-focused M135i xDrive.

Launching in Q4 this year, the two-strong range will kick off from $42,990 for the 118i, extending to $63,990 for the M135i xDrive (both before on-road costs and options).

For now, let’s focus on the BMW 118i.

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Read MOTOR's run-down on the BMW M135i xDrive pricing and specification here

For the first time the 1 Series will be driven by its front wheels rather than its rear, as it was previously. And while some will bemoan the loss of rear-driven goodness, BMW attributes extra improvements in interior space and packaging to its new front-driven architecture which will become increasingly common in future products.

Size wise, the new 1 Series is five millimetres shorter than before, while 34 millimetres wider and 13 millimetres taller. This translates to 33mm extra knee room for rear occupants, 19mm more headroom and 67mm more width in the boot than previously.

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Powered by a 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine that already serves in BMW’s range, the 118i produces 103kW and 220Nm, and will complete a run to 100km/h in 8.5 seconds.

To help on-road agility of the new car, BMW has borrowed learnings from its i3 electric hatch, using its actuator contiguous wheel-slip limitation (ARB) tech. The system uses a slip controller located in the ECU rather than Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system which is said to curtail wheel spin and aid traction 10 times faster than before.

BMW’s Reversing Assistant, which debuted with the new BMW 3 Series, will also feature within the new 1 Series. The system automatically remembers the steering movements and throttle inputs the car has just traversed, ready to reverse itself out of a tight spot in case you get stuck in a tricky alley, for example.

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In terms of kit, BMW will notably offer its popular M Sport package as standard which includes an M Sport leather steering wheel, sports seats in cloth/Sensatec upholstery, dark grey BMW Individual headliner and 18-inch M Light Alloy double-spoke wheels to spruce up its kerb appeal.

The 118i also gets a head-up display, safety technology like lane-departure warning, lane change warning, rear cross-traffic alert, Live Cockpit Professional including two 10.25-inch screens which include a year’s subscription to Apple CarPlay, ambient interior lighting and a 100W six-loudspeaker stereo system as standard.

Buyers can further enhance the 118i package by optioning the Comfort Package which includes seat heating for the first row, electric seats, lumbar support and Comfort Access; Convenience package which brings an automatic tailgate, storage nets and through-loading system; Driver Assistance Package with active cruise control, tyre pressure monitoring and adaptive LED headlights; Enhancement Package including metallic paint, panoramic glass roof and finally; the full-fat M Sport Plus Package which offers M Sport specific seats, spoiler, seat belts, steering and brakes.

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Both the 118i and M135i xDrive will launch in Q4 this year.

BMW 1 Series pricing:

• BMW 118i hatch - $42,990
• BMW M135i xDrive hatch - $63,990

Options:

• Enhancement Package ($2900)
• Comfort Package (118i: $2300, M135i: $923)
• Convenience Package ($1200)
• Driver Assistance Package (118i: $1000)
• M Sport Plus Package (118i: $2100)